This is the first in a 10-part series answering the key questions the Buffalo Bills are facing heading into training camp.
The Buffalo Bills have entered a new era as Joe Brady has replaced Sean McDermott as head coach, and among the many changes that have taken place is a revamping of training camp at St. John Fisher University.
Unfortunately for Rochester-area fans who make annual trips to the Pittsford campus, they team will be there for barely a week, though it is unknown whether this was a Brady-requested schedule change.
Regardless of the reasoning, the Bills will conduct their first practice Wednesday, July 29 and their seventh and final session will take place Friday, Aug. 7. All seven practices — by far the fewest since the Bills first began
training at Fisher in 2000 — will begin at 8:30 a.m., about an hour later than many of McDermott's morning practices. There are no afternoon or evening practices.
Here is some of the pertinent information for those who have obtained their free tickets to attend.
Bills training camp practice schedule
The Bills’ practices are held primarily on the grass field at the Polisseni Complex which is behind Growney Stadium. There is grandstand seating on the near side, and bleacher seating on the far side, plus ample areas to stand. All practice times are subject to change.
- Wednesday, July 29, 8:30 a.m.
- Thursday, July 30, 8:30 a.m
- Saturday, Aug. 1, 8:30 a.m.
- Monday, Aug. 3, 8:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, Aug. 4, 8:30 a.m.
- Thursday, Aug. 6, 8:30 a.m.
- Friday, Aug. 7, 8:30 a.m.
Bills camp parking lot shuttle location and times
There is no public parking at St. John Fisher University, and this year there is a single and new location for parking - Nazareth University (4245 East Avenue, Pittsford) - which will cut down the time of the shuttle ride significantly. Shuttles will run from 7:15 a.m. until training camp closes one hour after practice ends. There will be a $1 charge for fans to ride the shuttle buses. All services are accessible.
What to expect when you enter Bills camp
Facilities open one hour before practice begins. Have your mobile ticket ready to scan to expedite the entry process. All guests will be subject to a metal detection security screening process. To help speed up your entry time, please make sure to remove cameras and glasses cases before you get to the front of the line. You do NOT need to remove your cell phone, keys, loose change, wallet, jacket, or belt. Guests should limit the number of items that are brought with them to minimize search time.
For guests who will be bringing additional items, the following bag policy will be strictly adhered to:
Clear bags smaller than 12" x 6" x 12", one-gallon plastic freezer bags, and small clutch bags approximately the size of a hand (4.5" x 6.5") with or without a handle or strap will be allowed into Training Camp. Bags larger than 12" x 6" x 12" will not be allowed into Training Camp regardless of the type, style, and/or clarity of bag. Single-serve unopened food containers carried in the appropriate-sized bag, strollers and umbrellas are permitted.
What should I leave at home?
Prohibited items include alcoholic beverages, coolers, cameras with lenses longer than six inches, drones, video cameras or recording devices. The Bills reserve the right to restrict any items that are deemed dangerous, inappropriate or detract from the experience of other fans. For full details on the NFL Clear Bag Policy, please visit here:https://res.cloudinary.com/nflclubs/image/upload/bills/lk457rsn721wufddy4yv.pdf
Activities for the kids at Bills training camp
There are several activities for attendees to enjoy in The Kids Area, presented by Wegmans.
Activities include football tosses, running back drills, Bills-themed mini golf and more. Additionally, fans will have the opportunity to interact with Bills sponsors and team partners, receive complimentary souvenir photos, face painting and other fun activities. Listen for DJ Milk and DJ Yes during practice and keep your eyes open for t-shirt tosses, lucky row giveaways, VIP experiences, and autograph opportunities. Please remember autographs are not guaranteed.
What concessions are available at Bills camp?
Food and beverages are available at numerous stands. Fans can enjoy a number of items ranging from pizza to items off the grill. For select practices, food trucks will also be on site.
Is Bills merchandise for sale?
Bills merchandise and season or single-game tickets are available for purchase in the merchandise tent as you enter. Information on purchasing tickets as well as team gear will also be available. All major credit cards are accepted in the tent.
What happens if it rains?
If inclement weather prevents the Bills from practicing outdoors, the team will move indoors and those practices are closed to the public. The interactive areas will also be closed when practice is indoors. The best way for fans to get the most up-to-the-minute practice info is by calling the Buffalo Bills training camp hotline (1-877-BB-TICKS) or by viewing the camp schedule online.
Are there restrooms for the public?
Public restrooms will be located throughout the fan areas. College buildings, however, will be closed to the public at all times.
Where can I go for questions or in the event of an emergency?
There will be a Bills information booth in the Dorsey parking lot and a first aid tent available adjacent to the practice field to handle any emergency medical needs.
Sal Maiorana has covered the Buffalo Bills for more than four decades including 37 years as the full-time beat writer/columnist for the D&C. He has written numerous books about the history of the team, and he is also co-host of the BLEAV in Bills podcast/YouTube show. He can be reached at maiorana@gannett.com, and you can follow him on X @salmaiorana and on Bluesky @salmaiorana.bsky.social.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Buffalo Bills training camp guide including parking, schedule and more
